The midsize Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX delivers a punch with a 695-cc engine

In 2014, Kawasaki introduced the Mule Pro-FXT, followed a year later by the Mule Pro-FX. These were the new flagship machines for the line with bigger engines, capabilities, and overall size.

Kawasaki continued to fill out its UTV line with the compact Mule SX, a small utility machine with an air-cooled engine, smaller cargo capacity, and a look that was directly connected to the Pro-FX.

The Mule family added another member – the Mule Pro-MX, a midsize Mule with a shorter wheelbase, aggressive look, and a hefty punch from the motor.

READ MORE: Farmer tested, farmer approved UTVS

Powered Up

The Mule Pro-MX runs a single-cylinder, four-valve SOHC 695-cc liquid-cooled motor that produces 42.7 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. The MX motor is fed through digital fuel injection and runs out through a CVT transmission with a centrifugal clutch.

Powerwise, it's really not that different from the full-size FX models; it's just in a smaller, more compact chassis. Kawasaki does claim that the MX is the fastest and hardest accelerating two-person Mule that the company has ever offered.

The smaller machine, combined with the big engine, makes it fun to drive, and there is no shortage of low-end thump from the motor. Towing and other chores are easy with this machine.

Midsize Maneuvering

The Pro-MX is almost 2 feet shorter and 4 inches narrower than the Pro-FX. This makes the MX very maneuverable, which is the key to its place in the lineup.

Another machine in the Mule line – the Pro-FXR – is designed for people who want the convenience of the Mule with a little added trail capability. While the FXR is a foot shorter than the FX and a foot longer than the MX, the wheelbases of the MX and the FXR are almost identical. Kawasaki achieved this by moving the rear wheels of the MX farther back. This gives the MX greater stability while retaining excellent handling.

The MX has a smaller cargo bed with a diamond-plate steel bottom for durability. The composite sidewalls have a steel frame inside as well as steel side rails that work as great tie-down spots for cargo. The MX also has the same steel flooring in the cab.

Some of the other things carried over from the FX are the half doors and the steering wheel and controls. The frame is the same, sturdy ladder construction of the bigger Mule, all scaled down to match the size of the MX.

The MX has a 78.9-inch wheelbase and a tight turning radius for a utility machine. Kawasaki wanted a machine that fit that need for a nimble workhorse able to get back into tighter terrain and still have the grunt to get the job done.

The Mule Pro-MX has a 1,500-pound towing capacity with a 2-inch receiver hitch. The dumping cargo box will hold 700 pounds of cargo, or 600 pounds if you're in California.

To handle uneven terrain, the Mule Pro-MX has a locking rear differential and four-wheel drive as well as fully independent suspension with dual A-arms in the front and rear of the machine.

Trim Options

Keeping with the current style of the Mule series, the grille houses four headlights, which are either halogen or LED, depending on the trim level. You'll also notice the steel headache rack behind the bench seating, just like other Mule machines.

The Mule Pro-MX comes in three basic models, all of which come standard with electronic power steering.

* The Mule Pro-MX EPS retails for $11,999 and comes in Timberline Green and Bright White and has steel wheels.

* The Mule Pro-MX EPS LE comes in Firecracker Red with aluminum wheels and carries an MSRP of $12,499.

* The Mule Pro-MX EPS Camo, with TrueTimber HTC Green, retails at $12,649 and has steel wheels.

LISTEN: Steel deals - used utility vehicles